GoogleGoogle gets govt approval for balloon internet project

Google gets govt approval for balloon internet project

Google is collaborating with the Indian government on a pilot venture dubbed Project Loon to provide internet connectivity through balloons. The tech giant is bringing the technology to the country after successfully testing it in Brazil, the US and New Zealand.

Project Loon utilizes a balloon positioned at a height of 20km above the Earth to transmit internet signals. Google claims each balloon is capable of offering connectivity to an area measuring roughly 40km in diameter via LTE bands. It could even replace mobile towers in the future as it can directly beam out 4G signals to handsets.

Google Project Loon

While Google has refused to confirm its plans for India, an official source told PTI the company had previously approached the government to set up the Loon and drone-based internet transmission initiatives. The administration has only approved the testing of the former for now. It’s formed a committee to work on the program, with the Secretary of DeitY as its chairman.

Google might join hands with state-owned BSNL for the initial phase of experimentation. The US-based brand plans to use broadband spectrum in the 2.6GHz band for trials. Going forward, it will partner with other telecom companies to share airwaves. According to the source, the firm may function as a technology supplier and not a data service provider.

Also See: Google announces Wi-Fi rollout to 400 railway stations across India

Each balloon’s electronic equipment will be powered through solar panels and wind energy. Google thinks the two sources will be enough to keep it functioning throughout the day. The DeitY committee is currently looking into a number of aspects to start tests in India such as coordination with various departments and finding ideal locations for trials.

Other than the balloons, Google is also looking to beam out internet signals via 8 massive solar-powered drones. It’s currently awaiting clearance from the government to begin testing the undertaking.

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